Dominee 'stabs' church elder

2008-12-01 08:54

Cape Town - The Sunday Service at the Uniting Reformed Church in Ceres did not take place on Sunday, because dominee Billy Rayners, who was meant to lead the service, allegedly stabbed one of the church elders with a knife and knocked over another member of the congregation with his car.

The incident happened after Rayners apparently refused to present elder Piet Witness in church after Witness was recently elected to the church council.

Apparently Rayners and Witness have been at loggerheads for many years.

Police spokesperson Inspector Bernadine Steyn confirmed that the incident happened on Sunday at 09:50 outside the church in Lyell Street.

Derrick Moton, a family member of Witness, said the incident happened shortly after the church's weekly meeting in the vestry.

At this meeting elders and church members get the opportunity to discuss matters and problems pertaining to the church.

Vctim treated in local hospital

"Piet had asked permission from the head elder to address the meeting, but when it was his turn to speak, the dominee ignored him," Moton said.

It is said that, when Witness asked Rayners to listen to what he had to say, Rayners took off his jacket and threatened Witness before he left the room.

The meeting was adjourned. Police say Witness was standing in front of the church when Rayners drove his Toyota Yaris in Witness's direction.

"The man (Rayners) didn't hit him, but knocked over a bystander," Steyn said.

Witness tried to help the man, Frans Snyders, who had been knocked over.

"The suspect then got out of his car and stabbed the victim  (Witness) several times in the head with a knife.

The victim was treated in a local hospital and was later discharged," Steyn said.

Snyders said he preferred not to comment on the incident, as he hadn't decided yet whether to report the matter to the police or not.

Witness had already given a statement to the police. They are investigating a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

When Die Burger called Rayners on Sunday afternoon, he said "no comment" and put down the phone.

- Die Burger